Characterization of Dacryops Infections

Lacrimal Gland Ductal Cyst Complicated by Abscess Formation

A 52-year-old woman with a 7-month history of a left lateral upper eyelid nodule presented with an acute, 1-day history of left upper eyelid swelling and erythema associated with chemosis, epiphora, and pain. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a well-circumscribed cystic mass indistinguishable from the left lacrimal gland containing a fluid-fluid level. Surgery confirmed an abscess within the lacrimal gland; histopathologic examination revealed a dilated lacrimal duct with an inflammatory exudate within the lumen. This report details one of the few reported cases of an acute lacrimal gland ductal cyst abscess and, to the authors' knowledge, the first with MR images.

Lacrimal ductal cyst of the medial orbit: a case report

Background

The lacrimal ductal cyst (dacryops) is an uncommon clinical entity. It occurs anywhere that lacrimal gland tissue is present but most often appears as an expanding mass in the region of the lacrimal gland. The presence involving the medial part of the orbit is rare, ectopic location can be misleading in the differential diagnosis of orbital masses. The authors report a 53-year-old man who presented with dacryops occurred in an unusual location with significant clinical presentations.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old man had a painless mass located in the right superomedial orbit accompanied with foreign body sensation and lachrymation for two months, which had rapidly grown within 10 days. Decrease of visual acuity, high intraocular pressure (IOP) and limitation of extraocular movements in the right eye were present. The result of visual evoked potential (VEP) test suggested the impaired function of the optic nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies revealed the presence of an isolated cystic lesion. The mass was completely removed via a transcutaneous approach, histopathologic findings were consistent with the lacrimal ductal cyst. The ocular motility and high IOP returned to normal. There had been no post-operative complications or signs of recurrence over five months follow-up.

Conclusion

Lacrimal ductal cysts can present in the medial orbit, clinicians should include this entity in the differential diagnosis of orbital masses and be aware of its variable presentations such as high IOP in this case. We comment on the fact that many reported cases of ectopic dacryops may be an extension of normal lacrimal gland tissue.

Lacrimal Gland Ductal Cyst Infection Presenting as Acute Orbital Cellulitis With Abscess

ABSTRACT

Herein, the authors report a case of lacrimal gland ductal cyst infection presenting as acute orbital cellulitis with an abscess. A 45-year-old man without any history of trauma and a specific medical history presented with progressive painful periorbital swelling in the left eye and diplopia. At the first visit, the patient showed a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.2; erythematous swelling of the upper eyelid; superficial punctate keratitis, severe conjunctival chemosis in the left eye; and pus in the lateral canthal area. The patient had binocular diplopia and left eyeball movement limitation. Orbital computed tomography showed a peripherally enhanced periorbital soft tissue mass along the superotemporal aspect of the left globe, which was suggestive of an abscess. The authors diagnosed the patient with acute orbital cellulitis with an abscess. Intravenous antibiotics and steroids and topical antibiotics and steroids were administered. On the 4th day of the treatment, visual acuity and eyeball movement limitation had improved, and a small opening of the lacrimal gland duct was observed in the left upper conjunctival fornix. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified on culture. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with lacrimal gland ductal cyst infection presenting as acute orbital cellulitis. Lacrimal duct cyst infection should be considered as a cause of orbital cellulitis.

Bilateral temporal dacryops in a cat

A 1-year-old Maine Coon female spayed cat was presented for a 7-week history of bilateral pinkish masses located over the dorsotemporal conjunctival quadrants. Ophthalmic examination revealed the presence of bilateral temporal, slightly hyperemic, subconjunctival masses, fluctuant, and nonpainful. The remainder of the ocular examination was unremarkable. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and B-scan ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a bilateral cavitated and tubular structure, extending within the temporal orbit, with anechoic fluid-like content. Surgical removal was performed. Histopathology described the lesions as lacrimal gland tissue, markedly infiltrated by inflammatory cells, associated with cavitated structures filled with proteinaceous debris, and lined by flattened bilayered cuboidal epithelial cells. Bilateral adenitis of unknown origin and dacryops of the temporal lacrimal glands were diagnosed. Both surgical sites healed uneventfully, and no recurrence was reported on either eye during a 12-month follow-up period.

Dacryops - A review

Purpose: To review and summarize the epidemiology, clinical presentations, histopathologic characteristics and management of dacryops.Methods: A comprehensive PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar search of all articles written in English and non-English language articles with abstract translated to English on dacryops were reviewed. Data reviewed included epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentations, histopathologic characteristics and management of dacryops.Results: Lacrimal ductal cysts or dacryops are classified based on locations: palpebral lobe cysts (simple dacryops); orbital lobe cysts; cysts of the accessory lacrimal glands of Krause and Wolfring; and cysts of ectopic (choristomatous) lacrimal glands. The exact etiology of dacryops remains unknown. Dacryops is usually asymptomatic but can present with varied symptoms depending on the type and associated complications. While complete excision of dacryops is generally recommended, marsupialization is also a safe and effective method for the treatment of dacryops in the palpebral lobe of lacrimal gland. Complete surgical excision via orbitotomy is required for deep orbital lesions.Conclusion: Dacryops is an uncommon benign cystic lacrimal gland tissue neoplasm. Dacryops can be classified into four types based on locations. Lesions could be either superficial that can be seen through the fornix or deep into the orbit. Observation is also an option for small or asymptomatic lesions. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic cases, but approaches are different depending on the location of the lesions.

Complete Excision of a Simple Dacryops Using Fibrin Sealant and Trypan Blue Mixture

A 69-year-old woman presented to the oculofacial plastic service with a painless superotemporal subconjunctival mass in the OS. Over the past year, the lesion had been progressively enlarging, resulting in horizontal diplopia with lateral gaze. Visual acuity was within normal limits with no evidence of optic neuropathy. On examination, the lesion was tense, transilluminated, and was clinically consistent with a simple dacryops. Complete excision of the lesion was planned under local anesthesia with monitored care. To facilitate complete removal of the lesion, fibrinogen and a mixture of thrombin and trypan blue were injected to fill the cyst cavity. This blue-stained fibrin clot allowed for easy visualization of the border and ensured complete excision without collateral damage to surrounding normal tissue. Simple dacryops is often difficult to remove completely with its capsule intact and this technique allows for clear delineation of the cyst and preservation of epithelial integrity for complete and efficient removal.

Overview of benign and malignant lacrimal gland tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this article is to review the key clinical and radiological features, treatment strategies, and prognosis of lacrimal gland tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Debulking of the orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland may offer improved control rates in dacryoadenitis without compromise of tear film function. Contrary to previous belief, careful biopsy of the lacrimal gland prior to excision does not appear to increase the risk of recurrence in cases with suspected pleomorphic adenoma. Low-dose radiation (4 Gy) in two 2-Gy fractions appears to be effective and well tolerated in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the ocular adnexa with high local control rate. Eye-sparing surgery for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) leaving minimal or no tumor residual in the orbit followed by adjuvant radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy may provide good local control and long-term survival outcomes. Intra-arterial chemotherapy has been found to decrease recurrence and improve survival in ACC and can also be used as part of an eye-sparing treatment strategy. The development of targeted drugs may offer palliation for patients with unresectable or metastatic disease in lacrimal gland carcinoma.

SUMMARY

This article offers an update on diagnosis, management, and prognosis of the major lacrimal gland lesions.